Racecards
13:50 Uttoxeter
John Smith's Handicap Chase (Class B) (Class B)
- 6 Runners
- Distance: 3m
- Going: Chase - Good, Good to Soft in places, Hdls - Good
- Form 1342P3-
- Age 11
- Weight 12-0
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Christian Williams
led to 14th, weakened quickly, pulled up and dismounted approaching last
- Form 30/613U-
- Age 8
- Weight 11-3
- Trainer Miss V Williams
- Jockey B J Crowley
in touch, driven and lost touch 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 14th
- Form 216501-
- Age 10
- Weight 11-1
- Trainer D McCain Jnr
- Jockey W Marston
tracked leaders to 13th, weakened and soon behind
Ardent Scout
14- Form 403P50-
- Age 10
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer J Parkinson & S Smith
- Jockey Jim Crowley
tracked leader, challenged 2 out, led last, held on under pressure flat
Zaggy Lane
49- Form 62423P-
- Age 10
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer P Rodford
- Jockey S Burrough
held up in touch, headway 13th, led next, headed last, rallied flat, just held
- Form FU2/P44-
- Age 8
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer A Streeter
- Jockey L Vickers
in rear and blundered 2nd, lost touch 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 13th
In depth
Verdict
A cracking little handicap to start the day, and not many can be confidently ruled out. Earthmover is a consistent yardstick and acts on any ground. He had a busy time of things last season but ran with credit each time. He was faced with an impossible task last time but returns to a more realistic target here. Ardent Scout and Amberleigh House also have strong claims on the pick of their form and are worthy of support if the price is right. Zaggy Lane is another tough little performer who is suited by a test of stamina but he is proving to be hard to win with these days.